Temporary paint can rim cover

ABSTRACT

The invention is a temporary cover for a paint can&#39;s rim, for protecting the rim from paint or liquid while pouring. The invention is substantially similar lengthwise/an extruded part. An embodiment&#39;s cross-section (FIG.  15 ) can be a substantially C-shaped portion ( 27 ) plus a substantially narrow-tipped elongated flat portion (from  24  to  26 ), for a total shape like a “b”, with the b&#39;s circular section being open on the front like a “c”. When the cup portion is pressed/secured on to a paint can rim: the cup&#39;s open side faces substantially peripherally and/or downward and the tip of the elongated portion faces substantially upwardly (FIG.  23 ). The invention can be made a size and shape to also be stored on a can&#39;s metal wire paint can handle (handle positioned inside of the C-shaped cup). Placed on the can handle, the cover can add handle cushioning for carrying the paint can.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Application No. 60/880,471 filed Jan. 16, 2007

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

This invention relates to dispensing, drip leakage or waste catching ordisposal. This invention also relates to miscellaneous hardware—handle,handle component, or handle adjunct, detachable handle for container.This invention may also relate to receptacles—container attachment oradjunct—container holder—spaced upper and lower elements connected by ahandle structure. More specifically, this invention relates to a meansto keep paint from getting in the (currently metal) sealing groove of a(one gallon) paint can, like when paint or liquid is poured from thatcan. When not in use on a can rim, the invention relates to objectsattached to a can handle, and the invention relates to handle covers.

PRIOR ART FIG. 1A is a cross sectional view of a one gallon paint canrim. Prior art can rims, like rim 8, are metal. Prior art can walls,like upper exterior wall 11 are often metal or plastic. Rim 8 is fixedlyattached to substantially the top edge of upper exterior wall 11.Portions of the rim are identified for this text as follows: notation 18is the substantially round interior lip of a can rim, 19 is the deepchannel of a can rim (and 19 is a substantial portion of the sealinggroove that mates with the can lid), 20 is the exterior lip of a canrim. PRIOR ART FIG. 1B is a measurement-noted view of FIG. 1A.Approximate dimensions are as follows: (vertical dimensions) notation1≈1.1 mm, notation 2≈3 mm, notation 3≈9.5 mm, and (horizontaldimensions) notation 4≈3 mm, notation 5≈2 mm, notation 6≈7 mm, andnotation 7≈7 mm. The dimension shown by notation 4 varies considerablybetween manufacturers: from 1 mm to 3.5 mm. The interior lip can bedescribed as having an interior portion and an exterior portion. Theinterior portion can be considered to be the curved area interior fromthe vertical point 22 shown in PRIOR ART FIG. 1A. The exterior portionof the interior lip can be considered to be the curved area exterior topoint 22 (right of point 22).

Prior art one gallon cans for paint, stains, varnishes, and otherliquids, have about an exterior rim diameter [I.D.≈5.5″ (14 cm.),O.D.≈6.56″ (16.7 cm.)]. A wire handle attached to such a can is oftenabout 10 gauge wire and shaped as an ≈6.5″ (16.5 cm.) diameter curve.

There are many paint can pouring lid/covers for this standard rim. Theyare for the purpose of keeping paint from drying in the can afterinitial opening. They all substantially attach to a metal can rim likethat of FIG. 1A. Pouring paint is a job of only a few seconds. Paint ispoured from the can because paint in a can is difficult to access withmany brushes and rollers, and because debris that collects on a paintimplement while used is deposited in the can, which can increase debrison the surface painted.

To compensate for the high cost and time consuming application time of alid/cover, most provide a ‘second benefit’. Some provide a brushscraping means (see Hayduchok's patent cited below). Some are designedto be a permanent replacement lid.

Many prior art covers are designed to provide a secure seal around theentire rim of a can to keep paint off the rim of the paint can. Forpouring lids, here are disadvantages in having a continuous/completecircular seal: In order to keep paint off the paint can rim, the pouringlid must hold tight against the interior lip of the can. This basicallyrequires extending the rim cover UNDER the inside rim of the can. Themore secure/deep this ‘undercut’ is, the better the lid keeps paint offthe can rim. BUT, the more secure/deep this undercut is, the extremelymore difficult it is to pull the pouring lid off. This is mostly aproblem because the metal rim is rigid (unlike plastic food containers)and does not bend to help release or attach. It is the same type effectas placing one's hand in a narrow-necked jar, making a fist, and tryingto pull one's hand out while still making the fist. Also, the more the‘undercut’, the harder it is to apply the lid or cover. D.A.L.E.S.Corporation manufactures POURit® lid: it has ‘undercut’ TABS, whichallows a user to more easily snap the lid on a can. The POURit® lid haslocking tabs ≈0.5″ wide, spaced ≈0.4″ apart. When placed on a paint canthese tabs lock perhaps 1 mm under interior lip 18. The lid must besnapped on securely all around. One disadvantage of these tabs is thatthe lid is very difficult to to pull off. Another disadvantage is thatthe spaces between the tabs allows extensive liquid (paint) to flow intothe rim channel, which one may believe the moulded lid is purchased toprevent. Therein, this lid cannot be taken off and used on another canof paint till after the can it is on is empty (because the can rim iscontaminated with paint). Re-using the lid requires extensive washing ofthe groove. Over all, moulding a circular lid with plastic causes atrade-off between being flexible enough to be snapped on a can rim, andrigid enough to not let paint flow in structured areas. Pourit® isinjection moulded, 2 pieces (includes screw-on pouring cap), and thereinexpensive to manufacture. The POURit® lid costs about $3 at Lowe's in2006, where a new clean metal 1 gallon can with lid costs only about adollar more.

Plastic pouring lids (or even half-lids, like Hayduchok-cited below)require the user to work at being sure it is completely secure on thecan, or else the cover/lid will either come off the can or allow paintto get into the can rim. Prior art plastic lids do not provide thelong-term great seal that a metal-rimmed can lid provides. Whenpreparing to paint, a user often just wants to be able to stir the paintand pour, not go through the hassle of securing a pouring lid. On top ofthat, the pouring lid must be cleaned thoroughly for reuse, which isonly a bit less distasteful than cleaning the actual paint can rim. Itcan be said that injection moulded covers are expensive for the benefitthey provide.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,009,802 by Leon Hayduchok, granted Mar. 1, 1977,entitled PAINT CAN ATTACHMENT and U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,662 by Ted Neff,granted Mar. 23, 1993, entitled PAINT CAN SPOUT ATTACHMENT showsemi-circular injection moulded paint can attachments. They bothslightly grab beneath the can's interior rim. Because they don'tencircle the can's entire rim they would be easier to remove than anencircling lid. Because they cover nearly half the can, it makes brushdipping from the can more difficult because it increases the height ordistance out from which one must reach over to dip paint. (Yet brushdipping/wiping is described as a second benefit). Their brush wipe withpouring spout make for an odd combination, as one usually pours paintout to be used in another container, and therein the paint brush wipewould not be needed on the paint can, except to get the last of thepaint. And the last of the paint is now harder to reach, and once thecan is near empty, a clean rim has no residual value.

Full circular and semi-circular lids often try mating with the rim'sdeep channel. Because prior art rim covers cannot grip deeply under acan rim's interior lip, they often try mating with the exterior portionof the rim's deep channel (exterior side). Hayduchok's semiannularflange 4 (his FIG. 1) mates to the rim as such. Like all flexibleplastic covers that depend on mating with the deep channel, if the coveris not secured tightly over a CLEAN channel, the seal is compromised,especially when there is the pressure from within (at the rim lip) ofthe pouring paint. The problem is that this flange cannot grip thechannel (in undercut fashion), so when the can is tilted, mostly onlysuction pressure keeps it in place. And there is much less suctionavailable with a half-circle lid.

That is why lids, like Neff's half-circle cover (rib section 48 in hisFIG. 6) catch under the rim's interior lip. There are ways to make suchdeep undercuts, but that requires expensive secondary release mechanisms(see FoamPro's pour spout below).

A prior art paint can rim extends proximally into the can a substantialdistance (≈14 mm). This provides an extensive area for a rim cover tosecure underneath. Locking a cover under the can's interior rim lip, oreven deeper rim channel, would provide the most secure seal againstpaint getting in the rim channel, but there has not been a technicallyworkable way to benefit from this deep channel. What has beenunrecognized in prior art is the combination of what a user desires: Aquick inexpensive, no clean-up way to pour paint without getting painton the can rim, so the original metal lid will reseal the paint can.

Paint is currently being sold in cans with metal rims, in plastic jugs,and in large (5 gal) plastic buckets. The plastic containers havepouring rims or spouts with narrow-tipped edges sharp enough so thepaint will pour without dripping much back against the container. 5gallon buckets have ≈4 mm diameter rounded rim edges (for locking to thegasketed bucket lid). 5 gallon bucket lids have a pouring spout. Thoughpaint can be poured from these buckets without the lid, the slightlyrounded rim edge can catch paint enough to drip down or outside/exteriorto the bucket.

Prior art tubing with a continuous slit is prior art. Accordion-ribbedslit molded? rigid plastic tubing is prior-art used as a cord keeperaccessory. Two examples are CABLE TAMER and an unnamed version sold atIkea by Montera, part number 002.433.10, made in Greece. The ribbingallows the tubing to bend around curves, which is useful for holdingmany appliance cords together. Such coverings are cross-sectionallyround. If placed over paint can rim (like shown in FIG. 13),surface-tension would hold paint to the circular surface, and betweenthe ribbing causing remaining paint to drip exterior to the can andmaking a big mess.

Wikipedia defines extrusion as “a manufacturing process used to createlong objects of a fixed cross-sectional profile”. Prior art extrusionshave been made in many shapes and made of many materials. Such strips ofextruded material that are of a size and shape range similar to theinvention have been called wear strips and weatherstrip. Instead ofsubstantially straight segments, some can be slightly curved byproprietary means.

Weather strip is a prior art extrusion. One such extrusion is part#78394 by M-D Building Products, Inc., Oklahoma City, Okla. 73118. ThatVinyl Gasket weatherstrip (cross-sectional view) is redrawn in Prior ArtFIG. 2. The part is 0.5″ (13 mm) W×0.25″ (6.4 mm) H (circle-part) and a≈0.05″ (1.3 mm) wall thickness. Most extruders extrude a minimum wallthickness of 1 mm.

A prior art extruded shape is the wear strip by The Spiratec Company,made of ULTREX UHMW/PE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene)HR-1224 for ¾″ half bar. Spiratec discloses curved wear strips andextrusions, as seen at www.spiratex.com/mistrip.htm How they curve suchsections is proprietary. For an embodiment like a slit version of M-Dweatherstrip to be curved, the curve would be substantially formed as a20″ diameter. A tighter diameter curve of 5.5″ or 6″ (like what wouldfit on a 1 gallon can rim) is currently not known to be possible. Therequest for curved sections is low.

A prior art paint can has a circumferential/cylindrical wall (P.A. FIG.1 a, wall 9), substantially vertical and positioned beneath and fixedlyattached to the can rim. Of course, a paint can has a substantiallycircular bottom, fixedly attached to the bottom edge/s of thecircumferential/cylindrical wall. FOAMPRO MFG. CO. P.O. Box 18888,Irvine, Calif. 92623-8888 has a new product. Foam Pro makes theinjection molded Fits-All Paint Can Spout (FAPCS). It has undercutgrooves that snap it tightly onto the gallon size can rim. It isinjection molded, which is more expensive than extrusion. Itscross-section shows a deep, sharp undercut continuous throughout itscurved length, which requires inventive pry tooling. Though it says itfits both quart and gallon paint cans, Applicant was unable to bend itonto a quart can. This is because its flange lays/extends at about 45degrees from the paint can rim, so a thick cross-section of it must bendto conform. At 45°, it extends peripherally/horizontally over/above theentire can rim. After pouring paint and setting paint can down, somepaint will drip on the exterior surface of the spout. Having theexterior surface extend over the can rim is to keep those few drops fromeasily making their way down into the exposed rim sealing groove. As itcan not be easily stored with the can of paint, (like attached to a canhandle) it can be easily misplaced.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a temporary cover for a paint can's rim, for protectingthe rim from paint or liquid while pouring. The invention issubstantially similar lengthwise/an extruded part. An embodiment'scross-section can be a substantially C-shaped portion plus asubstantially narrow-tipped elongated, flat portion, for a total shapelike a “b”, with the b's circular section being open on the front like a“c”. When the c-shaped cup is pressed/secured on to a paint can rim: theC-shape's open side faces substantially peripherally and/or downward andthe tip of the elongated portion faces substantially upwardly. Theinvention can be made a size and shape to also be stored on a can'smetal wire paint can handle (handle positioned inside of the C-shapedcup). Placed on the can handle, the cover can add handle cushioning forcarrying the paint can.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The cover invention wraps securely under the can rim's interior lip tokeep paint off the rim while pouring. It very easy to apply and toremove. It can be inexpensively made by extrusion. It can be sold in acontinuous perforated strip for many applications, as a packet of 8″long pieces, or sold with each can of paint by storing it on the canhandle. If sold with the paint can, it can be temporarily attached to apaint can handle like a sleeve (and torn off [perf-to-tear]), which willalso provide a wider handle grip around the can's thin metal handle.This is of best advantage when a paint can is full, as that is when itis heaviest and a thin metal handle is most uncomfortable. It isinexpensive enough to be thrown away after a single use. It can also beeasily washed: This is because it is flexible plastic, because it needsno intricate grooves to mate precisely with the can's rim to keep thepaint out; and because it is placed on the can for only a minute (whilepouring), meaning any paint on it can be easily rinsed off immediately.It can be reused, and will not get lost because it can be re-attached tothe paint can's handle.

An extruded length can be made long enough to cover the entire diameterof a can's rim, allowing stirring of a full can of paint while keepingthe rim clean. But less than a half-circle cover (like 8″) is mostly allthat is needed, as completely full cans of paint are oftenjust-purchased-items that have been professionally stirred beforeleaving the store.

The curvature of the can helps support the extruded cover from pivoting.Though the diameter of the rim portion of cans varies betweenmanufacturers from close to 1 mm to 3.5 mm, the invention's C shape canbe quite oversized, and even smaller in diameter than the rim portion,and still stay securely in place. Unlike Foam Pro's Can Spout (FPCS),the invention actually fits on a quart can easily. And since curving astraight extrusion around a can rim improves the hold where it is mostneeded (in the center where poured paint narrows to a stream whenpoured), the invention requires less force, therein less plastic to maketo function as well as the heavy-duty FPCS.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

PRIOR ART FIG. 1A is a cross sectional view of a paint can rim

PRIOR ART FIG. 1B is a notated cross sectional view of FIG. 1A

PRIOR ART FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of P.A. vinyl weatherstrip

FIG. 3A is embodiment V of the invention, cross sectional view

FIG. 3B is embod. V on the P.A. rim of FIG. 1, center cross-sectionalview

FIG. 3C is embod. V on the P.A. rim of FIG. 1, near-end cross sectionalview

FIG. 4A is embodiment R, cross sectional view

FIG. 4B is embodiment R on a P.A. paint can rim, cross sectional view

FIG. 5 is embodiment RX on a P.A. paint can rim, cross sectional view

FIG. 6 is embodiment R on a P.A. paint can rim, top view

FIG. 7A is embodiment R on a P.A. paint can handle, handle side view

FIG. 7B is embodiment R on a P.A. paint can handle, cross-sectional view

FIG. 8A is pouring paint w/embod. R on a P.A. paint can, cross-sectionalview

FIG. 8B is ending pouring paint w/emb. R on paint can, cross-sectionalview

FIG. 9 is an alternative emb. X on a P.A. paint can, cross-sectionalview

FIG. 10 is embodiment V with a V-cut end, end-right side perspectiveview

FIG. 11 is like embodiment V but with a tear section, cross-sectionalview

FIG. 12A is an ineffective emb. Y on a P.A. paint can, cross-sectionalview

FIG. 12B is embod. Y on a P. A. paint can pouring paint, cross-sectionalview

FIG. 13 is embod. Z on a P. A. paint can pouring paint, cross-sectionalview

FIG. 14 is embodiment P, cross sectional view

FIG. 15 is embod. Q, having bent end, cross sectional view

FIG. 16A is embod. QA, having a LHS point, cross sectional view

FIG. 16B is embod. QB, having an alternative cup shape, cross sectionalview

FIG. 17 is a right-side perspective view of embodiment Q

FIG. 18 is embod. Q, on a full can, pouring paint, cross-sectional view

FIG. 19 is embod. Q, on a half-empty can, pouring paint, cross-sectionalview

FIG. 20 is embod. Q, cross sectional view

FIG. 21 is embod. Q, being applied to a paint can rim by a user, topview

FIG. 22 is embod. Q, being secured to a paint can rim by a user, topview

FIG. 23 is embod. Q, on can rim and can handle, side perspective view

FIG. 24 is embod. Q, on a can rim pouring paint, can side perspectiveview

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTATIONS

-   1 a vertical dimension on a prior art paint can rim.-   2 a vertical dimension on a prior art paint can rim.-   3 a vertical dimension on a prior art paint can rim.-   4 a horizontal dimension on a prior art paint can rim.-   5 a horizontal dimension on a prior art paint can rim.-   6 a horizontal dimension on a prior art paint can rim.-   7 a horizontal dimension on a prior art paint can rim.-   8 a prior art paint can rim-   9A semi-circular lip cup-   9B semi-circular lip cup-   10A a wiping edge/tip-   10B a wiping edge/tip-   10C a wiping edge/tip-   11 a prior art paint can upper exterior wall-   14 paint/liquid•-   15 thin tear area-   16 prior art paint can handle-   17 an embodiment of the invention-   18 interior lip of a can rim-   19 deep channel of a can rim-   20 exterior lip of a can rim-   21 prior art slit ribbed tubing-   22 a vertical point of a prior art interior lip-   23 a handle catch-   24 a bottom portion-   25 a top portion-   26 a tip-   27 a cup portion-   31 a pre-edge/bend-   T wall thickness-   W a width-   H height-   CR a prior art can radius-   C bent end angle

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Description of One Embodiment ofthe Invention

FIG. 3A is embodiment V of the invention, cross sectional right sideperspective view of a length of the extrusion. Embodiment V is easilymade as an extruded part; that is, substantially identical in onedimension. This embodiment is substantially “b” shaped. The first bembodiment of this invention was made from the Prior Art weatherstripfrom M-D described in Background. The M-D weatherstrip (≈0.05″ wallthickness, 0.25″ diameter c-shape, 0.5″ straight heighth) was hand-slitalong the length. Slitting the weatherstrip takes away usefulness forit's intended weatherstrip purpose. [A door closes against the circleportion of the weather strip, forming an ≈0.2″ variable seal against thedoor frame.] This embodiment shows wiping edge 10A and C-shapedsemi-circular lip cup 9A.

FIG. 3B is embodiment V on the Prior Art rim of FIG. 1A (or FIG. 1B),center cross sectional perspective view. FIG. 3C is embodiment V on thePrior Art rim of FIG. 1A, near-end cross sectional view. Thisembodiment's c-portion (lip cup) is larger than the can's interior liprim 18. This does not effect the security of the embodiment on the canwhile pouring, because liquid paint force against the embodiment is fromthe inside of the can out (as indicated by the arrows). The C-shape'sgrip on the interior lip varies because the can rim is curved,tightening most near the center section of the strip's overall length.Because this embodiment is substantially straight (being a normalextrusion) its interior lip cup curve pushes against the bottom insidepart of the can's interior rim, especially near the center of theembodiment's length, helping hold the embodiment on securely. Theopposing surface grip is depicted in this FIG. 3C with a phantom line.That is, the embodiment's c shape cup surrounds a substantial portion ofthe interior lip rim.

FIG. 4A is embodiment R, right-side cross sectional right sideperspective view. This embodiment shows wiping edge 10B and C-shapedsemi-circular lip cup 9B. The straight portion of this b-shaped extrudedpart is about 0.8″ high. The location of the slit (forming the C-shape)is lower than the slit in FIG. 3A. This change of the slit's positioncan change the angle at which the invention sits on a can rim,especially near the peripheral ends of an embodiment. FIG. 4B isembodiment R on a P.A. paint can rim, cross sectional view. The actualangle at which an embodiment sits varies with how wide the slit is, howthick the part is, and how big the interior can rim (like 18) is. FIG. 5is embodiment RX on a P.A. paint can rim, cross sectional view. Itmerely has the location of the C-shape slightly different thanembodiment R.

FIG. 6 is substantially the embodiment V or R or RX (n 17) on a PriorArt paint can rim 8, like that of FIG. 1A, top view. The wiping pointtip faces substantially upward, but is not detailed in the drawing. Anembodiment 17 is shown as about 6″ long. To apply on a can rim, (whosecan rim is radius CR) the user can spread a starting end of theembodiment with a finger inside the C-shape. If the plastic used to makean embodiment is a more rigid slippery plastic, or the c-shape is moreopen, spreading the end may not be necessary to apply it to the can rim.Cutting an embodiment's ends at an angle, (like seen in FIG. 10) canalso let the embodiment be pressed on without spreading open theC-shape.

As the embodiment is for temporary use (pouring), it is of benefit tostore the strip before, and perhaps after use. This embodiment may bestored on the paint can's handle. FIG. 7A substantially shows anembodiment (notation 17) on a Prior Art paint can handle, side view,showing can handle 16 inside the embodiment's C-shaped cup. FIG. 7B isembodiment R on a P.A. paint can handle, cross-sectional view. Stored onthe handle softens the grip of holding the handle 16 by making itsubstantially wider (handle is grabbed from underneath).

FIG. 8A is pouring paint (paint 14) with embodiment R on a Prior Artpaint can, cross-sectional view. What is so unexpected is that, thoughthe embodiment only covers the can's interior rim and does not covermost of the can's rim in the cross-section, paint does not get on therest of the rim. What is also unexpected is that a substantiallystraight, extruded part can cover a curved rim. The straight extrudedlength of the strip does not perfectly form around the can rim, but itdoesn't need to to hold on. And actually, curving a straight extrusionsuch can IMPROVE the hold where it is most needed: in the center wherepoured paint narrows to a stream when poured. So even a flimsy materiallike vinyl will hold the strip on. Or, a thinner part (like one made ofLDPE) maybe used, reducing the material price per part.

A strip embodiment is easily pulled off by drawing it towards the insideof the can. As the ends don't have paint on them (pouring is from thecenter of the strip), removal is also clean. The strip may be thrownaway or washed (washing is easy, as paint is still wet).

FIG. 8B is ending pouring paint (paint 14) with embodiment R on paintcan, cross-sectional view. The taller the elongated portion (straightarea) is, the less chance a few drops of paint that adhere to the tip ofthe embodiment can drip back on the rim. FIGS. 16 to 19 show embodimentsthat reduce the amount of drops of paint further.

FIG. 9 is an alternative embodiment X on a Prior Art paint can,cross-sectional view. The embodiment locks under the interior portion ofdeep channel 19, and has handle catch 23 for placing on a prior art canhandle for storage. This embodiment is potentially too wide (from theinterior lip section to the exterior lip section) to be bent around acan's rim without being extruded in curved fashion to match the 6.5″diameter of the can, or being made of a rubbery substance. Technology toproduce this part in the required curve is not known to be currentlyavailable.

FIG. 10 is embodiment V with a V-cut end, end perspective view. The endsimply has the end corner of the C-shape trimmed to ease applicationonto a can rim.

Embodiments V, R, and RX are of shapes that are easily extruded, butwould require an involved (expensive) tool if injection moulded. That isbecause they have extreme undercut areas.

A Prior Art 1 gallon paint can is what is shown in the drawings.However, the strip invention may be used on many containers, likequart-sized round metal cans and any container with an interior lipinterior portion to grab on to.

The extruded strip may be formed as a closed b-shape with a thinsection, like shown in FIG. 11 which is like embodiment V but with atear section 15, cross-sectional view. Many paint can handles haveplastic covers on them, likely placed on before the wire is formed intoa handle. The invention might be be placed on similarly. Then the paintcan user can tear the invention off to use it as a pouring strip. A tearsection can also be made by perforating the length of the cover in asimilar location. Both a thin section and a perforated section can beconsidered perf-to-tear.

As there are so many extruded shapes, Applicant looked for possibleprior art usable shapes. FIG. 12A is an ineffective embodiment Y on aPrior Art paint can, cross-sectional view. The cross-sectional shape isthat of prior art HR-1224 in a size made to grip onto a paint can rim.Though HR-1224 (described in Background) is made of rigid UHMW/PE and isextruded straight, like the embodiment in FIG. 9, lets conjecture thisshape were made of a more flexible material like rubber. And let's saythis shape could be extruded or milled in the extremely tight 6.5″diameter curve. An extruded rim cover of this shape would have thefollowing disadvantages: Paint is thick, and the 90° bend vs. sharppoint would hold to the shape and produce double-dripping, as seen inFIG. 12B, which is embodiment Y on a Prior Art paint can pouring paint,cross-sectional view. This double-dripping would also leave the Y unitcoated on both sides with paint, which makes removing it messy. Thebent-in ends of Y do not shape around the interior lip, so it is easierfor paint to transcend the single barrier. The bent ends of Y also makethe embodiment harder to pull off after use. And there is little to keepit from shifting up or down on the rim a bit.

Ribbed slit tubing for cord keeping, described in Background, can beforced around a paint can rim, as shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 13 isembodiment Z on a Prior Art paint can pouring paint, cross-sectionalview. This was a first-version attempt for the invention. Theflexibility of the tubing length, due to the ribbing, does allow it tobe curved around the circular rim of a can. But the roundness(cross-sectional C-shape), of the tubing holds on to the paint becauseit has no wiping point. That is, after pouring, the paint continues todrip from the tubing both onto a table on which the paint can is set,and onto the exterior wall of the paint can. And the ribbing, whichallows it to curve around the can, PROMOTES this dripping. Both FIGS.12B and 13 show just how important a narrow-tipped release point is tothe usefulness of a rim cover. Future extrusion techniques, materials,and shapes may be discovered that provide a more useable extruded pourstrip/rim cover, but this invention's discovery of an extrusion as a rimcover is unexpected.

FIG. 14 is embodiment P, cross sectional view. Narrow tip wiping point10C is noted. Wall thickness is T substantially 0.06″ (1.5 mm), height His substantially 1″ (2.5 cm), width W is substantially 0.13″ (3.3 mm),and angle A is substantially 80°. Minimum T for an embodiment is basedon extruder's capabilities and material type. Minimum T is often near 1mm. The greater height H is, the less likely drips of paint that adhereto the tip will dribble down the right side of the embodiment far enoughto reach the can rim. Width W is the inside dimension of an embodiment'sc shape, and is what attaches to the can rim. This W is much greaterthan any can rim, but works in part because, when the embodiment bendsaround a can, the bottom side of the c shape tightens under the rim,especially in the middle where the pressure of the paint is. W can alsobe smaller than the can rim lip, so long as it provides opposite sidegrip of a type shown by the phantom line in FIG. 3C.

Embodiments V, P, and R are substantially b shaped, with the top narrowtip forcing poured paint to break from flowing under it and onto the canrim. But because paint tends to adhere to a surface, a few drops ofpaint might travel down the right side of these embodiments, possiblyleading to a few paint drops in the rim groove. So an embodiment caninclude a pre-edge bend (shaped like the top of Apple Chancery font

, versus Palantino b) to help break paint surface tension. This helps intwo ways: Initially a can of paint is full, and the pouring angle ismuch more vertical, like in FIG. 18, than it is when the can is halfempty, like FIG. 19. Though the bend at the tip actually straightens outin the center of the strip (due to curving around the can), the pre-edgemoves the mass of paint on the sides of the center pour TOWARDS thecenter. This can be best understood looking at FIG. 24. The sharp bendsubstantially reduces the width of the pour stream from which a fewdrops of paint catch on the tip and drip on the external side of thestrip once the can is set down. An embodiment can include a point,substantially to the left of the bend of the pre-edge, to also helpbreak paint surface tension.

FIGS. 15, 17, and 18 show a pour strip designed for a can containingpaint. FIG. 15 is embodiment Q, having bent end, cross sectional view,and pre-edge 31. The embodiment's elongated portion has a bottom portion24, top portion 25, tip 26, and cup portion 27.

The pre-edge bend straightens towards the center when the strip iscurved around a can, but it still tips out at the center. The angle ofthe bend C is less than 90° so, as curved around the can rim, the tipdoes not bend underneath/fold against the straight portion at thecenter. Let's say a cover strip was placed around 180° of a can rimstrip being about an 8″ length), and the paint is poured out at themedial center of that 180°, like at 90°. The strip's bent end (at thepre-edge) pushes the paint medially towards the center/90° place,creating a narrower stream of paint. Then the slight tip-out at theelongated portion's tip reduces surface adhesion of paint to the strip.So the bent end is for guiding liquid medially and breaking surfacetension when the liquid is viscous like paint is. FIG. 16A is embodimentQA, cross sectional view. FIG. 16A includes tabs at the end point of theopen c shape, which eases application of the embodiment, like when thewall thickness is thin or the user does not line up the c openingexactly with the can lip rim. The straight elongated portion sits moreto the upper center of the c-shaped lip cup (which provides no knownadvantage). FIG. 16B is embodiment QB, having an alternative cup shape,cross sectional view. Its bent end has a curved exterior “elbow”. Thiselbow (versus a sharper pre-edge) is often sufficient to guide pouredpaint medially, and may let the paint near the tip flow back in the canmore easily. FIG. 17 is a right-side perspective view of embodiment Q.FIG. 18 is embodiment Q, on a full can, pouring paint, cross-sectionalview. FIG. 19 is embodiment Q, on a half-empty can, pouring paint,cross-sectional view.

FIGS. 20-23 depict application of a pour strip embodiment. FIG. 20 isembodiment Q, cross sectional view, arrow pointing to c-shaped opening.FIG. 21 is embodiment Q being applied to a paint can rim by a user, topview. FIG. 22 is embodiment Q, being secured to a paint can rim by auser, top view. FIG. 23 is embodiment Q, on a paint can rim and on samepaint can handle, side perspective view. FIG. 24 is embodiment Q, on acan rim pouring paint, can side perspective view.

An embodiment can be made of plastic, including but not limited torubber, vinyl, polypropylene, PVC, polyurethane, and polyethylene.

Dimensions and Description

The invention is a rim cover, for protecting a prior art paint can'smetal rim from paint while pouring. Prior art rims have an interior lip.The cover has a substantially fixed cross-sectional profile and couldsubstantially be made by extrusion. “Substantially” would include anyend-cut variations making it easier to apply, like described with FIG.10. The profile has a substantially C-shaped portion. The profile has asubstantially narrow-tipped elongated portion. The C-shaped portion isof a size and shape to be secured on to a portion of the prior art rim.A portion of the C-shape can secure against the interior underside of acan's interior lip, and an opposite side portion of said C-shapesecuring against the exterior side of said interior lip. That is, theC-shape forms around the can rim's interior lip. As paint pours out fromthe can, the pressure against the cover's C-shape is mostly outward. Thepoints where the C-shape grips around the lip can vary as the straightcover bends around the ≈6″ diameter curved rim's interior lip. Butbasically, a portion of the C-shape grabs around/substantially surroundsthe surface of the can's interior lip (for the b-shape embodiment).

The rim cover can further include the C-shaped portion having the Cclosed to an O shape by a tear portion. The C-shaped portion can befurther described as having a wall thickness, The tear portion can bedescribed as having a wall thickness. The tear portion wall thickness issubstantially thinner than the C-shaped portion. When a part of theembodiment, the tear portion substantially closes the C-shape to form anO shape, wherein, a user can tear open the tear portion (like off of ametal paint can handle) to use the cover on the paint can rim.

The rim cover can have a profile substantially b-shaped, the b-shape canhave a front circular portion such that the front circular portion isslit open on the front side forming a C-shape. The rim cover can befurther described as having an elongated (often straight) portionsubstantially 0.5″ to 4″ tall. (Shorter than 0.5″ might allow paint todrip off onto the can rim. Taller than about 2″, and the cover looksobstructive when stored on a can handle, and longer than 4″ and theamount of plastic simply becomes wasteful.) The C-shaped cup portion canbe substantially 0.04″ (1 mm) to 0.3″ (7.6 mm) interior diameter. The 1mm size is big enough to grip onto a can's interior lip when that lip iscloser to the 1 mm diameter than to the 3.5 mm diameter size, as itwould squeeze-hold on the interior lip. A 0.3″ diameter c-shaped lip cupis small enough to grip because the lower portion of the c locksinside/under the interior lip, drawing a portion of the top of the cshape against the top of the interior lip. Of course, if the embodimentcovered the can rim from interior to exterior lip, the C-shape would belarger.

The cover can be 3″ to 18″ long. Anything shorter than 3 or 4″ (used ona quart can) and a user might pour too fast and get a width of paintwider than the strip, therein get paint on the rim. An ≈17″ piece wouldcircle around the entire rim of a gallon can, which might be useful forstirring paint. 18″ is about 1″ longer than that, so allows for overlap,like if the ends of the elongated portion were trimmed off or theembodiment were made of compressible rubber.

The rim cover invention can be described as a method of keeping paintoff of a prior art metal paint can rim. The method comprises the stepsof pressing a length of a flexible extrusion onto a can rim. Such that,a 6″ length of the extrusion is of a size and shape to secure onto a canrim enough to allow paint to pour from the can without detaching fromthe rim. [A 6″ length is a size that allows a user to cover about ⅓ ofan ≈6″ diameter 1-gallon paint can]. And the 6″ extrusion piece is of asize and shape to allow a user to pour paint substantially withoutgetting paint on the can rim or exterior wall of the can.

The invention is described as b shaped for simplicity. The opposite endof the invention is substantially a reflection of that shape, that is, dshaped. As the invention is substantially identical cross-sectionally,describing the extrusion as b shaped is identical to describing the itemas d-shaped, or b shaped reflection.

Pressed onto that rim, the extrusion, cross-sectionally, is of a sizeand shape such that the C-shape's open side faces substantiallyperipherally/outward, a portion of one end of the C extends beneath thecan rim's interior lip, or further into the can beneath or against therim's deep channel interior side. The C's other end presses against theexterior surface of the interior lip of the prior art paint can, or theexterior surface of the exterior lip of the prior art paint can. And thepoint of the elongated portion faces substantially upward.

Cans with the metal rim and sealing groove detailed in Prior artspecifications are named as “paint can” in claims to define the TYPE ofcan, not its contents. For claims, paint, stains, varnishes, and otherliquids are all considered liquid contents. The less viscous liquids(like stains) may not clog the paint can rim groove, but without a rimcover, liquid will settle in rim groove after pouring, causing splatterwhen the lid is hammered back on.

Conclusion

The invention is a cover for pressing on to a paint can's metal rim tokeep paint off the rim (and therein out of the rim's sealing groove) andexterior of a can. It is substantially similar lengthwise in that it cansubstantially be made by extrusion. It can be of a length to cover 90°to 360° around a prior art can rim. One embodiment's cross-section canbe described as substantially b-shaped with an open slit or tear portionin the front circular section, resulting in a C-shape. When theinvention is pressed on to a paint can rim, the C-shape's open sidefaces substantially distally and/or downward, a portion of the bottomend of the C extends beneath or against the can rim's interior lip; andthe b's upper end (wiping point), extends upwardly from the can. Theinvention may be, of a size and shape to partially enclose around ametal wire paint can handle, if so attached for storing the part whilenot in use on the can rim.

The cover, in use, has opposite side ends. Positioned/pressed properlyon a paint can, the lower portion of one end of the C extends inside ofand beneath the can rim's interior lip, the upper portion of the Cextends outside of the can's interior lip, and the elongated flatsection extends upwardly and/or distally from the can rim.

The invention is a rim cover, for protecting a prior art paint can's rimfrom a can's liquid contents while pouring liquid from that can. “Whilepouring” can include the steps of tilting the paint can and ending thepour by setting the paint can down. The invention is also for storing onand padding a can handle. The cover is a size and shape to substantiallybe manufactured by extrusion. The cover can be more specifically definedas follows:

The rim cover has a length. The cover has a substantially fixedcross-sectional profile. The profile has a cup portion. The profile hasa substantially elongated portion having a bottom portion and a topportion, and that bottom portion is fixedly attached to the cup portion.The profile cup portion is of a size and shape to be secured on to across-sectional portion of a prior art paint can rim. The cover's lengthis of a size, shape, and flexibility to curve least 90° around a portionof a paint can rim. [That is, it could be curve extruded, or straightand flexible enough to curve around the can rim]. When the cover isattached to a prior art paint can and liquid contents are poured fromthat can, the elongated portion is of a size and shape to keep asubstantial portion of poured liquid off the exterior side of the can.[This would include a cup portion that covers the entire cross-sectionof a can rim.]

The cover can be more specifically defined as follows:

A prior art paint can rim has an interior lip. The cover's cup portionis of a size and shape to be secured onto such a paint can interior lip.The cover's elongated portion is of a size and shape to keep asubstantial portion of liquid contents, during and after being pouredfrom that can, off the rim of that can.

The cover can be more specifically defined as follows:

The rim cover can further include the cup portion being closed to an Oshape by a tear portion. The closed tear portion is for securing thecover on a can handle prior to the cover used as a rim cover. The tearportion is tearable along its length if a user pulls the cover from ahandle on a can.

The cover can be more specifically defined as follows:

The rim cover's profile is substantially b-shaped. The b shape's frontcircular portion is slit open on the front side forming said C-shape cupportion.

The cover can be more specifically defined as follows:

The rim cover where the elongated portion is substantially 0.5″ to 4″tall [distance from its bottom-most portion to its top-most portion].

The rim cover where the cup portion has an interior diametersubstantially 0.04″ to 0.3″. The rim cover where, in use, the cover is3″ to 18″ long. [It can be sold in much longer lengths, and cut or tornto such length for use.] The rim cover where the elongated portion has atip.

The cover can be more specifically defined as follows:

The rim cover, where the top portion further includes a bent portion.The bent portion (more specifically the exterior elbow or pre-edge) isbent for guiding liquid medially, and for helping break surface tensionwhen viscous liquid is poured from a paint can.

The strip's bent end (at the elbow or pre-edge) pushes the paintmedially, towards the center of a pour stream, creating a narrowerstream of paint. Then the slight tip-out at the elongated portion's tipreduces surface adhesion of paint to the strip.

The invention can also be described as follows:

A method of keeping liquid off of the metal rim of a paint can,comprising the steps of pressing a length of a flexible extrusion onto apaint can rim. Such that the extrusion is of a size and shape to secureonto a rim enough to allow liquid contents to pour from that can withoutthe extrusion detaching from that can rim and substantially withoutgetting liquid on that can rim or that can's exterior wall. Morespecifically, the liquid poured can have the viscosity of paint.

1. A rim cover, for protecting a prior art paint can's rim from a can'sliquid contents while pouring liquid from that can; and for storing onand padding a can handle; said cover being a size and shape tosubstantially be manufactured by extrusion.
 2. The rim cover, accordingto claim 1, wherein said cover having a length; said cover having asubstantially fixed cross-sectional profile; said profile having a cupportion; and said profile having a substantially elongated portionhaving a bottom portion, said elongated portion having a top portion;said bottom end fixedly attached to said cup portion; said profile cupportion being of a size and shape to be secured on to a cross-sectionalportion of a prior art paint can rim; and said length being of a size,shape, and flexibility to curve least 90° around a portion of a paintcan rim; such that, when said cover attached to a prior art paint canand liquid contents are poured from that can, said elongated portionbeing of a size and shape to keep a substantial portion of poured liquidoff the exterior side of the can.
 3. The rim cover, according to claim2, wherein said prior art can rim having an interior lip; said cupportion being of a size and shape to be secured onto a paint caninterior lip; and said elongated portion being of a size and shape tokeep a substantial portion of liquid contents, during and after beingpoured from that can, off the rim of that can.
 4. The rim cover,according to claim 3, further including said cup portion being closed toan O shape by a tear portion; closed said tear portion for securing saidcover on a can handle prior to said cover use as a rim cover; and saidtear portion being tearable along its length if a user pulls said coverfrom a handle on a can.
 5. The rim cover, according to claim 3, whereinsaid profile being substantially b-shaped, wherein said b shape's frontcircular portion being slit open on the front side forming said cupportion.
 6. The rim cover, according to claim 3, wherein said elongatedportion being substantially 0.5″ to 4″ tall.
 7. The rim cover, accordingto claim 3, wherein said cup portion having an interior diametersubstantially 0.04″ to 0.3″.
 8. The rim cover, according to claim 3,wherein, in use, said cover being 3″ to 18″ long.
 9. The rim cover,according to claim 3, wherein said top portion further including a bentportion; said bent portion for guiding liquid medially and and forhelping break surface tension when viscous liquid is poured from a paintcan.
 10. The rim cover, according to claim 1, wherein said length beingflexible enough to substantially conform circumferentially around apaint can rim.
 11. The rim cover, according to claim 1, wherein liquidcontents being paint.
 13. A method of keeping liquid off of the metalrim of a paint can, comprising the steps of pressing a length of aflexible extrusion onto a paint can rim; such that, said extrusion is ofa size and shape to secure onto a rim enough to allow liquid contents topour from that can without said extrusion detaching from that can rimand substantially without getting liquid on that can rim or that can'sexterior wall.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein poured liquidsubstantially having the viscosity of paint.